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-   -   Adding and subtractiong radical expressions (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=330158)

  • Mar 16, 2009, 06:25 PM
    dingolove09
    adding and subtractiong radical expressions
    √180 + √75? :confused:
  • Mar 17, 2009, 07:19 AM
    ebaines

    You can convert the numbers 180 and 75 to their prime factors, and then combine terms. I woin't do your specific homework problem for you, but here's an example that illustrates what I mean. Consider sqrt(108) + sqrt(147). Break thse numbers down to their prime factors: 108 is equal to 2*2*3*3*3 and 147 = 3*7*7. Hence you have sqrt(2*2*3*3*3)+sqrt(3*7*7). Recall that sqrt(a^2) = a, so this can be simplified as: 2*3*sqrt(3) + 7*sqrt(3). Now you can combine the sqrt(3) terms:

    2*3*sqrt(3) + 7*sqrt(3) = (6+7)*sqrt(3) = 13*sqrt(3).

    Use this same method on your problem. Post back and let us know what you get.

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